Since 1995, the Mercedes-Benz Vito has been in use as a commercial midsize van, serving various industries from crafts and trade to police and rescue services. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary, the manufacturer looks back on three vehicle generations that have shaped the midsize van segment over the years.
First Generation: Compact and Designed for Urban Use
The first generation of the Vito was introduced in 1995 and was specifically targeted at companies with an urban usage profile. The front-wheel-drive vehicle with transversely mounted four-cylinder diesel or petrol engines had a vehicle height of 1.89 m, making it suitable for parking garages. With up to 1 ton of payload, 5 m³ cargo volume, and standard safety features including ABS, disc brakes, and a driver's airbag, the Vito was quickly established as a
practical everyday companion for commercial use. Between 1995 and 2003, approximately 473,000 vehicles of the first generation were sold.
Second Generation: New Drives, More Payload, Initial Electrification
Starting in 2003, the second generation followed with a fundamentally revised vehicle concept. The Vito was switched to rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive now available as an option. The payload increased to up to 1,295 kg. An expanded range of engines, up to V6 units, and various vehicle lengths and heights led to a significantly greater variety of models.
In 2010, the Vito E-Cell marked the entry into electromobility. The model was equipped with a 70 kW electric motor and was produced in small series. The range was around 130 km. By 2014, almost 750,000 vehicles of this series were sold worldwide.
Third Generation: Electrification in the
Standard Program and Digitalization
The third generation introduced in 2014 offered three drive options – front, rear, and all-wheel drive – and extended the vehicle length to up to 5.37 m. The maximum payload increased to 1,369 kg. Standard features included airbags and assistance systems such as the crosswind assist. With the eVito, the series production of the battery-electric midsize van began in 2018.
An update to the model in 2020 introduced the new OM654 diesel engine family, the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, additional assistance systems like Distronic, and new comfort features.
Model Year 2024: Update with Digital Features and Mild-Hybrid Drive
In 2024, the Vito was technically revised again. With the integration of the MBUX multimedia system, digital connectivity was introduced. The exterior was modernized, including Multibeam LED headlights, and the interior was complemented
by a new center console. The safety equipment was also expanded, including a brake assistant with intersection function. The drive options have since included a petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology.
The eVito now achieves a WLTP range of up to 480 km (90 kWh battery). The entry-level prices are 32,284.52 euros for the Vito and 43,055.51 euros for the eVito (price as of July 2025).
Production at the Vitoria Site
Since its launch, the Vito has been manufactured at the Vitoria-Gasteiz plant in Spain. The plant is one of the largest sites for Mercedes-Benz Vans worldwide. On a production area of 373,000 m², around 4,800 employees are working. In March 2024, the foundation stone for a plant expansion was laid to begin producing vans based on the electric VAN.EA architecture from 2026 onwards. (av)
